The Issues

We cover a trifecta of issues through Muslim American Stories, each one affecting Muslim American communities in unique and often unspoken-of ways. We hope to learn and grow from the stories shared on the project. We welcome a range of stories, from personal experiences to observations about society and life. Show us the world from your perspective.

Anti-Muslim Bullying:

Rarely framed as a “Muslim issue,” bullying alienates, isolates, and emotionally devastates children. Bullying makes it harder to children to focus on their studies, though schools are often slow or reluctant to address the problem. Unfortunately, the effects are often felt for years after the initial trauma.

Profiling:

Muslims are often profiled not only because of their perceived religion, but also because of their race, ethnicity, and national origin. Profiling alienates Muslim Americans because it suggests they are lesser Americans against whom discrimination is OK. The psychological effects are obvious, as profiling fosters social distrust and discourages Muslim Americans from becoming more active in their neighborhoods and communities.

Immigrant Discrimination:

Significant numbers of Muslim Americans are harmed by immigration policies discouraging reliance on or reporting to federal, state, and local law enforcement. This discourages seeking help in situations like domestic violence, makes it almost impossible for young people (i.e. Dreamers) to gain access to higher education, and encourages profiling based on national origin and race. Moreover, many Muslim American immigrants struggle to get justice because the courts provide inadequate language services or the laws force victims into hiding. To ensure more equitable immigration policies, the struggle and pain associated with the current law must be better understood.